A $9.5 million federal grant project in west Kentucky aims to better prepare students to enter the workforce in computer science and other STEM-related fields.
Todd Warren is the Director for Innovations in Education at the West Kentucky Educational Cooperative. He said in a press conference Wednesday in Murray the project called ‘West Kentucky GEAR UP’ supports 20 participating schools across nine counties.
The project’s goal is to create a college and career pathway culture to increase the number of students prepared to enter and succeed in post-secondary education and obtain industry certification.
“Four full-time STEM initiative consultants will be hired to work with teachers and staff as rigorous standards are implemented throughout West Kentucky GEAR UP schools. Six full-time college readiness coaches will be hired to work with students, their families and the community in preparation for post-secondary education," Warren said.
Warren said the seven-year project places an emphasis on minority, low-income, English learner and special needs students.
Congressman James Comer said the grant will “make the difference” for bringing in and filling high-wage jobs. He said partnerships with educational cooperatives are “imperative” - as well as the relationship with Murray State University.
"Public education is the number one function for the state. It's a major function for the federal government. It takes money to educate our children. And I'm going to do everything I can to help create an environment where you have adequate funding," Comer said.
The project is expected to begin in January following a hiring phase, which will employ 12 full-time positions.
The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education.
Target Schools:
- Ballard County Middle/High Schools
- Carlisle County Middle/High Schools
- Crittenden County Middle/High Schools
- Fulton County Middle/High Schools
- Fulton Independent Middle/High Schools
- Hickman County Middle/High Schools
- Livingston County Middle/High Schools
- Mayfield Independent Middle/High Schools
- McLean County Middle/High Schools
- Paducah Independent Middle/Paducah Tilghman High Schools
